PROSPECT – The sidewalk is still there. So is the foundation. But the Sail Inn Restaurant is not. The Maine Department of Transportation ordered the building demolished last weekend as part of the construction of the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The building was dismantled Saturday,… Read More
Growing up in the St. John Valley – an area once brimming with large farming families – Nicki Ouellette always assumed she would get married and have children. “That’s just what happens,” said Ouellette, now 32, seated next to her husband, Glenn, in the couple’s… Read More
In a Friday story about the creation of a public library in St. Agatha, it was incorrectly reported that Jackie Paradis is president of the group. It is in fact Jackie Ayotte. Read More
MILLINOCKET – Two businessmen hoping to start an ethanol production facility in the Katahdin region have formed a construction company that they hope will generate seed money that will allow them to continue their ethanol plans, they said Monday. Chris Jandreau and Rob McNally of… Read More
GREENVILLE – For the first time in several years, the Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home is expected to end the year in the black. “This year [2006 fiscal year], we’ll have a positive bottom line, the first in a long time,” Geno… Read More
My husband and I have a daughter and son-in-law stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Master Sgt. David Beeson is on his way to Iraq. When he received his orders his wife, Tech. Sgt. Lori Beeson, told him about the Bangor troop greeters… Read More
You want to know how Maine’s median age has changed over the decades: Page 19. You want a backgrounder on Maine school costs: Page 23. You want to see how Maine compares to other states for employment, debt, gross-state product and number of prisoners: Pages 90-94. The Maine… Read More
The North Korean regime achieved its goal of getting attention and validation by presumably testing a nuclear device Monday. The difficult task now for other countries, especially members of the United Nation’s Security Council, which unanimously condemned the presumed test, is to use Pyongyang’s attention seeking as a… Read More
I am extremely disturbed at the prospect of passage of the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Proponents have claimed that local control will not be adversely affected. After reading the bill, I have concluded that passage of TABOR will destroy local control and decimate rural Maine. Read More
Regarding the article, “Sticker shock” (BDN, Oct. 3). Citizens of Maine are not only the highest-taxed residents in the United States, but they are also getting “raped” by auto inspectors. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
Nature has endowed us with a great gift. If we do not cherish and enrich the Earth, our descendants will be left with shreds of our selfishness. Industry, commercialism and entertainment became our excuses for disregarding nature’s needs. Our community struggles with these issues today as Wal-Mart launches… Read More
After reading William Bennett and Rod Paige’s commentary, “National school test needed” (BDN, Sept. 22), I felt compelled to write. Speaking as a high school senior, I have endured my fair share of standardized tests, from the MEAs to the SATs (I and II), to… Read More
I ‘m not sure if the op-ed by Robert Klose (BDN, Sept. 25), which excoriates President Bush and his administration, reads more like a Molly Ivins column or the text of an Al Gore speech, but either way, it’s over the top. Klose seems to… Read More
We are deeply uncertain about being our best as a people and as a nation when being our best entails pain, sacrifice and choosing equal justice over revenge. Our national and individual confusion over what we should do when driven by anger and fear, or when adherence to… Read More
While following the news reports covering the tragic school shootings in the Amish community located in Nickel Mines, Pa., I found myself awestruck. Not because of the senselessness of this event, but because of the Amish people’s response to this horrific intrusion into their peaceful and serene lives. Read More
LINCOLN – Patricia Locke is known in the legal community for defending the nun with a gun. The story of Locke’s defense of a partially deaf and blind 63-year-old nun charged with brandishing a gun at the local fire chief is well known among criminal… Read More
I’ll admit to feeling just a bit testy when I got to work Monday morning. Returning to the office after spending a few carefree days steeped in the autumn beauty of the Moosehead Lake area can temporarily rankle a person. Or maybe it was the 800 irritating e-mails… Read More
CALAIS – The idea to shift the Maine Visitor Information Center from a stand-alone building into the lobby of the Downeast Heritage Museum last year has proved to be a good one. The number of visitors to the Calais center is up 54 percent in… Read More
HAMPDEN – Nearly five hours after he walked away from a group home, a diabetic man was found Monday in the woods, conscious but in a tenuous state. Timothy Hess, 43, earlier that morning walked away from an assisted living care facility on Hampden Woods… Read More
ROCKPORT – A local man was killed when he apparently fell into a campfire last week, and state officials said Monday they were investigating a number of recent blazes in midcoast and central Maine. Fire also leveled barns in Thomaston and Swanville over the weekend. Read More
PROSPECT – One of the first things Friends of Fort Knox Executive Director Leon Seymour did after getting his job back was to reinstate the popular Halloween-season Fright at the Fort at historic Fort Knox. Seymour, who was removed from his job a year ago,… Read More
MILO – A local woman escaped with bruises Monday after she lost control of her vehicle and struck a utility pole on Elm Street. Wendy Stevens, 38, managed to get out of her 1998 Dodge Neon before utility wires dropped to the ground and ignited… Read More
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – A young woman from Providence, R.I., was injured Sunday morning while rock climbing on the South Precipice Wall, according to a park ranger. The 21-year-old woman was about 50 feet off the ground when she lost her footing and fell, Ranger… Read More
BANGOR – A Sullivan man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison on gun charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Larry Dean Alexander, 33, of Sullivan also was sentenced on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Bangor to six additional months for… Read More
HOLDEN – SAD 63 wants pupils to become more knowledgeable about the democratic process. Schools in Holden, Eddington and Clifton have embarked upon a new citizenship education pilot project that seeks to strengthen the focus on current events, ethics and service learning, among other things,… Read More
HOLDEN – Town leaders want more affordable housing and are looking to contain rural sprawl with the updated comprehensive plan, Stephen Condon, code enforcement officer, said last week. The town’s Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee has worked for the last 18 months on updating the 1995… Read More
DEXTER – A group of Tri-County Technical Center students recently combined learning with community service. Now thanks to kids helping kids, Monson has a $3,000 half-pipe ramp for its new skate park at no cost to the town. After reading a Bangor Daily News story… Read More
BREWER – The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR, is a hot-button tax reform issue around the state as residents prepare for November elections, and Brewer leaders will discuss the issue during a meeting tonight. Afterward, city councilors are expected to sign a resolve opposing… Read More
BARING – To celebrate National Wildlife Refuge week through the end of this week, Friends of Moosehorn is offering fall colors tours through the Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The 4.5-mile tours begin at Howard Lake Road. For more information, visit… Read More
CALAIS – “Journey of Hope,” an Oscar-winning foreign language film, will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Unobskey School. St. Croix River Valley Arts Council is presenting the film. There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted. Read More
How residents feel about SAD 4’s vote last month to keep the same local education cost-sharing funding formula will be discussed at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, in the municipal building. To bring about some property tax relief, Abbot residents had supported a move… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Local police are on the lookout for a man whom they arrested Friday only to have him slip through their fingers. Or, to be more precise, he slipped through an unlocked window at the police station when no one was looking. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
ST. AGATHA – Ryan Pelletier, the outgoing president of the Maine Municipal Association and town manager of St. Agatha, is convinced that over time the proposed Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR, would strangle towns, especially small towns like his own. He believes cuts created… Read More
DEDHAM – For the second time in less than a week, a cemetery in Hancock County has been vandalized. The latest incident happened late Friday or early Saturday, police believe, at the Brookside Cemetery on South Road in Dedham. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – A local woman remained at Aroostook County Jail in Houlton on Monday after allegedly threatening her three children with a knife, Sgt. Mark Barnes of the Presque Isle Police Department said Monday. Darlene Ruest, 38, was charged with assault on a police… Read More
BRIDGEWATER – The crisis prevention and response policy for the town’s only school is undergoing a significant revision and, in light of recent school violence across the nation, officials are stressing the importance of being prepared. Jeff Bearden, assistant superintendent for the Bridgewater School Department,… Read More
MACHIAS – Eggs and Issues, the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly presentation of local issues, presents a chance to talk on Thursday, Oct. 12, with the three candidates for the Washington County sheriff’s position. The breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Helen’s Restaurant, is open… Read More
BAR HARBOR – An Otter Creek man was being held Monday in connection with two burglaries at eating establishments in the heart of this resort community, according to Bar Harbor police. Vincent Abbott, 32, was arrested at his residence at about 5 p.m. Monday after… Read More
MACHIAS – “Taxing Maine,” the traveling theatrical performance backed by the Maine Humanities Council, takes the stage in Machias this evening. The show is at 7 p.m. at the University of Maine at Machias’ Performing Arts Center. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
CORINNA – The Corinna Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. today in the Levy Stewart Library. For more information, call Audrey Bolstridge at 278-5073 or Rich Meyer at 278-5669. Read More
MILLINOCKET – Katahdin Valley Health Center will have an ample supply of flu vaccine for all KVHC patients at its medical clinics in Millinocket, Patten, Island Falls and Houlton for the 2006-07 flu season, officials said Monday. “Everyone is at some risk of developing severe… Read More
NEWPORT – The Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a candidates night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in the Nokomis Regional High School cafeteria. Local and state political candidates will speak about issues facing our state and region. The public is… Read More
HAMPDEN – It was a close encounter of the bovine kind for one motorist who reported that he nearly hit a cow crossing Back Winterport Road in Hampden Monday afternoon. The cow was one of about 40 cows that escaped through a hole in a… Read More
PALMYRA – A unique spaghetti supper to be held later this month at Palmyra will provide residents with several opportunities: getting to know each other, enjoying a meal together, and participating in the town’s comprehensive planning process. Planning board member Becky Wiers said Monday that… Read More
Since 1973, Eastern Agency on Aging has been serving seniors, and their families, who live in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties. Every once in a while, EAA needs volunteers for special projects and, as we approach the winter season, Carol Higgins of EAA has… Read More
PORTLAND – Howard Dean talked up Democrats, talked down Republicans and went door-to-door in a Portland neighborhood Monday to rally Democrats for the coming election. Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and a former Vermont governor, and Maine Gov. John Baldacci spoke to about… Read More
SOUTH PORTLAND – About 40 people who were evacuated from a supermarket Monday night after complaining of nausea and other problems were treated at area hospitals, police said. No one appeared to be seriously ill, and all of those who were treated were conscious and… Read More
REGINA, Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan is joining Alberta and Manitoba in developing a provincial Web site that gives the public details about high-risk criminals living in their communities, and the province’s justice minister wants the rest of Canada to follow suit. While many support the idea… Read More
Six-year-old Elizabeth Vanadia held onto a ballet barre and teetered on her left leg. The right one wobbled behind her in the air. “Chest out,” ballet mistress Maureen Lynch instructed. “Chin up, chest out.” The directive “chin up, chest out” could be the unofficial slogan… Read More
Not a year has passed since Carl Little’s art book “Paintings of Maine” came out that I haven’t given it as a gift of some sort – house warming, wedding, holiday, graduation. So I was caught short earlier this year when a clerk at a local store told… Read More
It’s public art in every sense, but the public will have to do a little sleuthing to view a delightful new mural inspired by children and painted by a cadre of spirited eastern Maine artists. Fortunately, an open house and dedication will transform the search into a pleasant… Read More
Ask director Wendy Wincote Schweikert how her work is going these days at the Belfast Maskers, and she might give a one-word answer: swimmingly. That’s because the community theater’s newest show, “Metamorphoses,” features an onstage swimming pool that measures 111/2 by 81/2 feet and is 8 inches deep. Read More
Art teacher and quilter Annette Houston of Newport is enchanted with the Japanese art of sashiko quilting. “I love Japanese designs, the linearity appeals to me,” she said. Traditionally, sashiko is done with white stitching on blue fabric. “I love that indigo and white contrast.”… Read More
The Brewer boys soccer team has its share of losses this season. But the Witches also have their share of wins. More wins, in fact, than the program has had in recent years. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Recent recognition from the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honors gives pause this week to reflect on a career which now includes writing for this newspaper and publishing material for Winning Hoops magazine and Lessiter Publications in Wisconsin. I began all this basketball coaching stuff… Read More
When Dustin Allen took aim at a 950-pound moose on Monday morning, he wasn’t looking closely enough to notice the small flaw in the critter’s massive rack. Only after downing the moose with an 80-yard shot did he and his hunting party get the chance… Read More
If Saturday’s game against then 17th-ranked Towson is to serve as a measuring stick for the University of Maine football team, the Black Bears appear to be continuing their growth as the midpoint of the 2006 season approaches. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s squad improved to 3-2… Read More
ORONO – They host it. They play in it… They OWN it. The Husson College Eagles cruised to a commanding lead on the first day of the Husson Invitational Tournament and played so well on the second day, the only unanswered question was which golfer… Read More
WINSLOW – Students from Huard’s Ju-Jitsu and Karate School in Winslow and Fairfield recently raised and donated more than $7,000 in cash and services to the Children’s Miracle Network. The martial arts school used its annual Battle of Maine martial arts championships as a major… Read More
COLLEGE Husson Invitational googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
COLLEGE Ben Bishop googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
COLLEGE New England Cross Country Championships googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ISHPEMING, Mich. – Three-time Olympian and Alpine World Ski Championships medalist Julie Parisien of Auburn will be inducted into the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2006. Parisien will be joined by former Olympic and World Cup moguls… Read More
NFL player deserves more punishment Last weekend an NFL player kicked the helmet off a downed opponent, then stomped on his face with his cleats, causing the player to require 30 stitches. For punishment, he was suspended for five games. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
OK, so the puck has dropped and these never-to-be-read-at-the-end-of-the-season predictions are a little late. Nothing has happened to give me an edge since all the hockey players are still watching baseball anyway. The Bruins are building a new off ice front office and a new… Read More
HAMPDEN – Hampden Academy’s Nellie Wood scored two unanswered goals in the second half after the John Bapst Crusaders were up 1-0 to lead the Broncos to a 2-1 high school field hockey victory Monday. Katie Hessert had seven saves on eight shots for the… Read More
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Kristen Healy scored the game’s lone goal unassisted to lift the University of Maine field hockey team to a 1-0 win over Cornell University Monday. Maygan Cassarino made 14 saves on 21 shots for the 5-8 Black Bears. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
DEER ISLE – Eben Powers scored the game-winning goal with 14 minutes remaining to lift Deer Isle-Stonington to a 3-2 high school boys soccer win over Katahdin of Stacyville Monday. Collin Ciomei scored two goals, including the game-tying goal with 48 seconds left in the… Read More
DEER ISLE – Eben Powers scored the game-winning goal with 14 minutes remaining to lift Deer Isle-Stonington to a 3-2 high school boys soccer win over Katahdin of Stacyville Monday. Collin Ciomei scored two goals, including the game-tying goal with 48 seconds left in the… Read More